Of all the pets that you could choose to own, cats are on the top of the list. If you have never had one, you should read this article before getting one. These tips are helpful for all cat owners who want to live a happy life with their cat.

Grooming is an essential part of your cat’s care. Brush your cat’s fur often to help it be shiny and healthy. If you brush cats on a regular basis, it will keep their coats clean and attractive. Doing this will also help alleviate hairballs and excessive shedding. Regularly grooming keeps cats looking well and keeps your home neater.

TIP! You never want to leave the cords of your drapes dangling down. If your cat plays with looped drape cords, they could get caught around its neck, which presents a suffocation hazard.

Cats love to get into tight, small spaces. If your cat is such a curious one, wearing a collar is a safety risk, as your feline might get stuck because of it while exploring. A collar that will breakaway is the best idea for safety. This can keep your cat alive.

If your cat is female, it is very important that she be spayed when the vet feels she is old enough. Even if your cat is an indoor cat, if she escapes while she is in heat you might end up with a lot of kittens on your hands. Spaying the feline is really the optimal way of dealing with this.

Have your cat see a vet frequently to keep good health. They should go in for a routine check-up at least once a year, possibly more if they need important shots. Never hesitate to have your cat checked out if you think that something is wrong; remember that your cat can not tell you they are not feeling well.

TIP! Make sure you purchase medicines and treatments specifically for cats. Cats are not the same as dogs, and products meant for dogs can make cats very ill.

If a cat is outdoors frequently, they need a collar that has a tag. Cats can go far from home and without a tag they could become lost forever. Be sure that the pet’s name and also your home number are on the tag.

It can be hard to stop your cat from coming on your counters. A cat will naturally want to be high enough to view everything around them. One way to combat this behavior is to proved your cat with an elevated place it is okay to climb on. For example, give them a cat tower nearby.

Microchip your cat. Even a house cat may end up lost outside, no matter how careful you are. Cat collars are a great thing to have in case your cat gets lost, but they also pose a risk if they get caught on something. Microchips are very small, and you can note your name, address and phone number in there. Most vets and animal shelters will have a microchip scanner and because it’s under the animal’s skin it can never become lost.

Litter Box

Put your cats’ litter box where it is most acceptable to him. Place the litter box away from high traffic areas. Additionally, the litter box should be placed away from your cat’s food and water. Also, minimize the smell by making sure it is a well ventilated area. Your cat is certain to appreciate a litter box that is put into a good location.

If your thinking about allowing your cat to go outside, you may want to reconsider. Going outdoors isn’t very safe for a domesticated cat. You cat might pick up pests or fleas. It can also be potentially hurt by cars, people or other animals. If you must let your cat outside, do so in a very small area of your backyard or lawn.

TIP! Use bitter apple on your electric cords to keep your kitty away from them. Keep your cords covered if you feel like your cat is hellbent on chewing them.

Seek the advice of others if you have a cat that’s giving you problems. Although you may want to go it alone, it can be helpful to seek advice from other people that have experience owning cats. The Internet will allow you to contact many forums and online communities for cat owners. Don’t forget, your vet’s office can also provide sound advice.

Make sure that your cat has a collar on with ID tags on it. Even an indoor pet should have this. Cats love to explore, and if they see an opportunity to go outside, they will take it. You should use a tag with your contact information and the address of your veterinarian. This is very critical if your feline has specific medical issues.

Play is an important part of a cat’s life. In fact, play is a common activity for all mammals, including people and cats, no matter their age. Even older cats like to play. Take time and play with your cat regularly.

TIP! Cats spend a ton of time grooming themselves. If the cat has longer hair, it can be the cause of hairballs.

There are certain foods that you might eat everyday that are not healthy for your cat. These include garlic, grapes, green tomatoes and onions. Your cat can get very sick from eating these foods. Milk could also lead to an upset stomach if the cat drinks it.

Your cat should remain indoors and near your home. Indoor kitties typically live longer than the outdoor variety. Make sure your cat is trained as an indoor cat if you don’t want it to get diseases or other things that can happen when it’s outdoors.

When you decide that you want a cat, it is a fantastic decision. They can really be comforting. There are, however, certain things you need to do to make sure your cat lives a healthy life. Make use of this article’s excellent advice to improve the level of care you can provide for your cat.